[Paul Race]

I have been making .svg files to use with my craftcutters (Cricut, Silhouette, etc.) and I'd like to go over to cutting wood. I need 24" length at least.

I don't really want to put $2K into a cutter to experiment with, nor do I want to buy anything that will break down in a week.

Any suggestions? Mostly 1/8" or less wood depth, but a lot of fine detail.

And I don't necessarily want to wait a week for results.

EVERY vendor basically makes the same claims. Who can I trust?

Thanks!

Paul Race

 

[fsts2k]

What about a low powered laser cutter like xTool D1? I believe these can cut relatively thin wood and are a fair amount cheaper than 2K.

 

[Paul Race]

Do the xtools have a good rep among the community? Reviews are all from people making Christmas ornaments or other things I don't have any intention of using them for. Thanks!

 

[armorsmith]

Simply stated, you will get what you pay for. The less you pay for the laser cutter, the less quality you will get in the durability of the product, and the less quality you will get in the accuracy of the cuts.

Spend lots of time reading, researching and learning what is available and what the costs are. Size will have a large bearing on the cost. I personally have researched, and a laser cutter to cut plywood up to 1/2 inch thick (my spec) in a 24 inch by 48 inch size (large enough to cut 1:20 passenger car sides in one piece) . This will be a 150 watt laser and will be in the 20K range for something that will last a life time. This is definitely the upper end of the spectrum, but since you asked ....

Lower wattage lasers will be lower cost and less capability. Keep in mind that these are industrial equipment, regardless of size or wattage and will require proper ventilation and environment. More things to consider.

Good luck.

 

[fsts2k]

Do the xtools have a good rep among the community? Reviews are all from people making Christmas ornaments or other things I don't have any intention of using them for. Thanks!

Sorry but I have no idea.. I have a friend that has one or a similar brand, it works fine to engrave and cut thin wood. I am planning to get a desktop laser here in a bit when I have more time to actually use it.

As Armorsmith mentioned, higher cost often means higher quality.

 

[Jackpeter1]

I have an atomstack and it works great

 

[Paul Race]

I have an atomstack and it works great

May I ask which one? Thanks!

 

[armorsmith]

@Paul. I remembered in my research I ran across a DIY laser cutter. If you are adventurous enough to do the assembly and wiring, here is another option. Lasersaur Manual

 

[Paul Race]

Thanks, I went ahead and ordered an Atomstack A10. with the extension. We'll see. . . . .